John Sainsbury critiques National Gallery design after renovation
- John Sainsbury, a major donor to the National Gallery, disliked the design of the Sainsbury Wing, particularly the false pillars.
- After his death in 2022, a letter he wrote in 1990 was found, expressing his delight at the removal of the pillars during renovations.
- This incident highlights the ongoing influence of donor opinions on cultural institutions and the complexities of their relationships.
John Sainsbury, a significant donor to the National Gallery in London, expressed his discontent with the design of the Sainsbury Wing, particularly criticizing the inclusion of false pillars. These pillars, part of the postmodern design by architects Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown, were seen by Sainsbury as unnecessary and unattractive. Despite his passing in 2022, his sentiments regarding the design resurfaced during renovations of the wing. A letter written by Sainsbury in 1990 was discovered by demolition crews, revealing his strong feelings about the pillars. In the note, he expressed delight at the decision to remove the columns, indicating that he had long viewed them as an eyesore. This letter served as a posthumous vindication for Sainsbury, highlighting his ongoing critique of the architectural choices made for the gallery. The discovery of the letter not only sheds light on Sainsbury's personal grievances but also reflects broader themes of donor influence in cultural institutions. His financial contributions were substantial, reportedly amounting to tens of millions of pounds, yet he felt that his opinions on the design were overlooked. This incident illustrates the complexities of donor relationships with institutions, where financial support does not always equate to alignment on artistic vision. Sainsbury's critique, now amplified by the renovations, raises questions about the legacy of architectural decisions and the voices of benefactors in shaping public spaces.